The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) has expanded its membership by adding five new tribes to its association.
Chairman James Siva has stated that each tribe brings a “greater perspective for the whole organization,” as the CNIGA’s membership grows to almost 50 tribes.
Siva also reflected on the defeat of the Proposition 27 sports betting legislation in the Golden State, noting that it should serve as a “cautionary tale” for any company looking to enter the state’s gaming market without working with tribes.
Founded in 1988, the CNIGA is comprised of federally recognized tribal governments and associate members with a dedication to the tribal government gaming industry.
Joining the CNIGA are the Alturas Indian Rancheria, Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians, the Colusa Rancheria, the Karuk Tribe, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, with the latter four tribes being returning members.
More than 40% of California’s federally recognized tribes are part of the CNIGA, as its tribe membership count now stands at 47.
“We heartily welcome these tribal governments into this great organization and are honored to have them as members,” commented Siva.
“As each tribe is unique, more tribal members bring greater perspective for the whole organization. We look forward to their participation.”
Siva also recently gave an address at the 26th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference at Sycuan Resort Casino about sports betting legislation in the state.
The association’s Chairman reflected on the defeat of Proposition 27, an initiative spearheaded by tribes that looked to give out-of-state commercial gaming interests control over online sports wagering in California, by issuing a warning to any future attempts to legalize sports betting in the state without tribal involvement.
Siva noted: “This initiative suffered one of the widest defeats in California history and should serve as a cautionary tale to those that attempt to enter the California gaming market without working directly with tribes.”
